The establishment of the postal system in India was groundbreaking, connecting diverse regions and cultures. It played a pivotal role in India’s history, fostering communication, trade, and unity. Delving into its history offers captivating insights into the country’s evolution. Understanding this system’s significance is vital to appreciate India’s rich heritage. Therefore, this article includes a quiz to celebrate its importance in our nation’s history.
General Knowledge Quiz on National Postal Day
National Postal Day is celebrated on October 10 each year to commemorate the establishment of India’s postal system. This day holds immense significance as it marks the foundation of a vital communication network that helped unite the country during its formative years. The postal system played a critical role in connecting people, facilitating trade, and spreading knowledge across the nation. It bridged geographical gaps, fostering a sense of unity among diverse regions and cultures. Even in the digital age, the postal service continues to be a lifeline for remote areas and a testament to the country’s commitment to ensuring communication access for all. National Postal Day serves as a reminder of this rich legacy and the enduring relevance of postal services in modern India.
Following we have provided MCQs on the topic for the purpose of self-assessment and to also help you gain some additional insights on the topic.
Q1. Who found the Telegraph and Postal systems in British India?
a) Lord Dalhousie
b) Lord Curzon
c) Lord Mountbatten
d) Lord Cornwallis
Answer: a) Lord Dalhousie
Q2. When did the first General Post Office open in India?
a) 1774 (Kolkata)
b) 1857 (Delhi)
c) 1947 (Mumbai)
d) 1960 (Chennai)
Answer: a) 1774 (Kolkata)
Q3. What is the first postage stamp of India?
a) Scinde Dawk (1852)
b) Queen Victoria (1866)
c) Indian Flag (1947)
d) Gandhi Ji (1948)
Answer: a) Scinde Dawk (1852)
Q4. What is the full form of PIN?
a) Postal Identity Number
b) Postal Information Number
c) Postal Index Number
d) Postmaster Identification Number
Answer: c) Postal Index Number
Q5. When did the PIN system start in India?
a) 1950
b) 1965
c) 1972
d) 1980
Answer: c) 1972 (In the same year Royal Bengal Tiger replaced the lion as the National Animal)
Q6. Which is the first Indian post office outside Indian territory?
a) London, UK
b) New York, USA
c) Sydney, Australia
d) Post office at Dakshin Gangotri in Antarctica (1983)
Answer: d) Post office at Dakshin Gangotri in Antarctica (1983)
Q7. When did the service of speed post start in India?
a) 1950
b) 1969
c) 1986
d) 1995
Answer: c) 1986
Q8. In which year was the Money Order system introduced in India?
a) 1800
b) 1857
c) 1880
d) 1925
Answer: c) 1880
Q9. In which year did Postal Life Insurance start in India?
a) 1800
b) 1857
c) 1884
d) 1925
Answer: c) 1884
Q10. Where is the Postal Staff College situated?
a) New Delhi, India
b) Mumbai, India
c) Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
d) Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Answer: c) Ghaziabad (UP)
Q11. World Postal Day is observed on _________?
a) September 9
b) October 9
c) November 9
d) December 9
Answer: b) October 9
Q12. Indian Postal Day is observed on _________?
a) September 10
b) October 10
c) November 10
d) December 10
Answer: b) October 10
Q13. Which organization celebrates National Postal Day in India?
a) India Post (Department of Posts)
b) Indian Postal Service Union
c) Indian Philatelic Society
d) National Postal Authority
Answer: a) India Post (Department of Posts)
Q14. Who is considered the father of the Indian postal system?
a) Warren Hastings
b) Lord Dalhousie
c) Mahatma Gandhi
d) Sardar Patel
Answer: b) Lord Dalhousie
Q15. What was the name of the first official postage stamp issued in India in 1854?
a) The Bengal Tiger
b) The Victoria Stamp
c) The Scinde Dawk
d) The Rajputana Stamp
Answer: c) The Scinde Dawk
Q16. Which famous historical figure’s image is featured on most Indian postage stamps?
a) Jawaharlal Nehru
b) Subhas Chandra Bose
c) Rabindranath Tagore
d) Mahatma Gandhi
Answer: d) Mahatma Gandhi
Q17. In which year did India Post introduce the concept of “My Stamp,” allowing individuals to have their photographs printed on postage stamps?
a) 2000
b) 2005
c) 2011
d) 2016
Answer: b) 2005
Q18. What is the traditional mode of transport used by postal workers in rural areas to deliver mail in India?
a) Motorcycle
b) Bicycle
c) Horse-drawn carriage
d) Electric scooter
Answer: b) Bicycle
Q19. Which international organization plays a significant role in coordinating postal services worldwide and establishing international postage rates?
a) United Nations (UN)
b) Universal Postal Union (UPU)
c) International Postal Alliance (IPA)
d) Global Mail Network (GMN)
Answer: b) Universal Postal Union (UPU)
Q20. What is the name of the government-owned courier and express mail service introduced by India Post in 1986?
a) Speed Post
b) Express Parcel Post
c) QuickMail Service
d) India Post Parcel Service (IPPS)
Answer: a) Speed Post
Q21. In which city is the National Philatelic Museum located, showcasing a vast collection of postage stamps?
a) Mumbai
b) Chennai
c) New Delhi
d) Kolkata
Answer: c) New Delhi
Q22. What is the term for the fee charged for the delivery of mail directly to the recipient’s home or business?
a) Postage fee
b) Handling fee
c) Delivery charge
d) Dispatch cost
Answer: c) Delivery charge
History and Significance of National Postal Day
The history of the Indian postal system dates back to ancient times when messages were conveyed through messengers on foot, horseback, or pigeons. However, it was during British colonial rule that the formal postal system as we know it today was introduced. The credit for this transformation largely goes to Lord Dalhousie, the Governor-General of India during the mid-19th century. In 1854, the first official postage stamp called the Scinde Dawk was issued in Sindh, marking the inception of the Indian postal system.
One of the remarkable achievements of the Indian postal system was the introduction of the Rural Free Delivery Service in 1902. This service revolutionized rural communication by bringing mail delivery directly to the doorsteps of rural residents. It significantly reduced the isolation of remote areas and played a vital role in spreading education and awareness.
Significance: National Postal Day holds immense significance for several reasons:
- Communication and Connectivity: The Indian postal system has been the backbone of communication for centuries. It has bridged geographical gaps, facilitated the exchange of letters, parcels, and official documents, and connected people from various corners of the country.
- Cultural Heritage: Postage stamps are not just tools for sending mail but also represent the cultural heritage and history of India. They often feature prominent figures, historical events, and aspects of Indian culture.
- Employment Generation: India Post, the organization responsible for postal services, is one of the largest employers in the country. It provides jobs to thousands of people, including postmen, clerks, and administrative staff.
- Philately: National Postal Day also promotes philately, the hobby of collecting stamps. Stamp collectors, known as philatelists, play a significant role in preserving the history and heritage of the postal system.
- Modernization: In recent years, India Post has modernized its services by introducing e-post, speed post, and other innovative solutions to meet the evolving communication needs of the digital age.